I moved from a five-bedroom house on half an acre in Texas to a two-bedroom furnished apartment in Portugal. That's an 80 percent downsize! The hardest part was standing in my house, looking at decades of stuff, and not knowing where to start.

Vivian Najib has done this three times. She's a professional organizer who's moved from New York to Italy, Southeast Asia, and now Portugal. In this conversation, she walks us through her Bucket System. Her framework takes the stress out of downsizing by giving every item a next destination instead of asking "keep or toss."

We cover her buckets, learn why "I love it" is not a destination, and find out how and why to set limits before you start sorting. If your stuff is the thing standing between you and your move, this is the episode.

Work with Vivian: ftbhomeorganizing.com/moveabroad

Join the We're Moving to Europe Community (free): skool.com/were-moving-to-europe

00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Moving Abroad
02:21 Personal Experiences with Moving and Downsizing
06:06 Understanding the Emotional Impact of Letting Go
09:24 The Bucket System for Organizing Belongings
13:15 Logistical Challenges of Moving: Fly, Ship, Store
16:50 Financial Considerations in Shipping and Storage
23:28 Setting the Foundation for Downsizing
24:13 Getting the Boat in Motion
26:09 The Simon Cowell Sweep
28:20 Making Thoughtful Decisions
32:51 Clarifying Your New Life
33:59 Approaching a Quick Move
35:49 The Not on My New Album Filter
38:44 Bringing Meaningful Items
42:10 Embracing the Adventure of Downsizing
44:14 Introduction to Moving to Europe
44:16 Practical Steps for Relocation

Music and production by @Sage Barton

https://www.skool.com/were-moving-to-europe 

Larry's website: https://larrycornett.coach/ 

Want to move to Europe but don’t have a job yet? 

In this episode, career coach Larry Cornett (ex-Apple, eBay, Yahoo) chats with Casey Kelly about how Americans can start landing European clients before they move. 

We cover how to build a global network, where to find hidden opportunities (even outside tech), and the biggest mistakes Americans make with European employers. 

If you’re serious about relocating, don’t miss this. 

0:00 Moving from the US to Europe: where to start 

0:19 Meet Larry Cornett (ex-Apple, eBay, Yahoo) 

1:01 From PhD to Silicon Valley career 

3:13 Why he left corporate for consulting 

4:06 Is freelancing more stable than a job? 

5:08 How to start as a consultant 

6:00 Getting international clients as a beginner 

6:50 Why relationships and referrals matter globally 

8:09 Building a worldwide network 

10:19 Finding opportunities beyond “tech companies” 

12:04 How to research companies hiring in Europe 

13:13 Best industries to explore right now 

13:32 Do you need a master’s degree in Europe? 

16:08 How education value differs by country 

17:06 Using study as a pathway to relocate 

19:33 Key strategies to grow your network and career 

20:10 Building credibility and standing out online 

21:42 Why you should share your work publicly 

22:29 Using speaking and content to attract clients 

23:33 Introverts vs visibility: what works 

25:22 Final advice for moving to Europe 

25:33 Cultural differences Americans must understand 

27:56 Where to find Larry online 

Production team 

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe 

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives 

Sound library 

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton. 

Medication background music - The Orienvibes (https://pixabay.com/users/43208736/) 

Extra visuals curated via Canva 

www.skool.com/were-moving-to-europe
Abigail (Abbie) Somma
Gratitude Buddies

What does it really take to build a fulfilling life in a new country? 

In this episode, Casey Kelly speaks with Abigail Somma, who has lived and worked across several countries. They explore how mindfulness, gratitude, and strong community connections can help people navigate the emotional and practical challenges of relocating abroad. 

Abigail shares her personal journey of creating Gratitude Buddies, a community built around skill-sharing, meaningful connections, and mindful networking. Together, they discuss managing expectations when settling into a new place, coping with the emotional ups and downs of international life, and finding practical ways to build resilience and belonging. 

This conversation offers thoughtful insights for anyone moving abroad, adapting to life overseas, or looking to build deeper connections in a new environment.

00:00 Rethinking the Meaning of Home
00:22 Podcast Introduction – Moving from the US to Europe
00:52 Meet Abigail Somma – Living in Spain, Italy, and Austria
01:48 Abigail’s Journey Living Abroad
03:10 From International Relations to Mindfulness and Community
04:22 The Origins of Gratitude Buddies
05:02 Why Gratitude and Community Matter After a Move
06:09 Belonging, Mindfulness, and Building Connection
07:30 Finding Community Through Shared Values
08:09 Managing Expectations When Moving Abroad
09:50 Culture Shock and Everyday Challenges in a New Country
11:29 Emotional Resilience – Humor, Crying, and Self-Compassion
13:33 Resources for Americans Planning a Move to Europe
14:57 The Hidden Mental Load of Living in Another Language
16:12 Beginner’s Mind – Staying Open to New Experiences
19:20 Guided Gratitude Meditation with Abigail Somma
23:44 Resetting Your Mindset with Mindfulness
25:00 Practical Advice for Building Community Abroad
26:07 Accepting Mixed Emotions When Moving Countries
27:02 Redefining Home and Cultivating Belonging
27:48 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Buddies Community
28:28 Outro – Thanks for Listening

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe 

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
Medication background music - The Orienvibes (https://pixabay.com/users/43208736/)

Extra visuals
Meditation visual - Nathan Cowley, Pexel
Images on title slides - Photos by Pierre Blaché and Alejandra Cifre González on Unsplash

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

https://www.eleanormayrhofer.com/entreprenuership-in-germany
https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

What does it really take to start over in a new country and build a business from scratch in Germany?

In this episode, host Casey Kelly sits down with Eleanor Mayrhofer, who moved from the US to Germany on a whim after a friend invited her to start a business. What followed was a crash course in entrepreneurship, networking, visas, language barriers, and cultural integration.

Eleanor shares the realities of navigating German work permits, understanding local business regulations, and building a professional network without speaking fluent German. She explains how a government support program helped her transition into freelancing, breaks down the German public and private healthcare systems, and highlights the power of the vibrant expat community.

Whether you're dreaming of launching a business abroad or simply curious about life as an entrepreneur in Germany, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest lessons from the front lines.

00:00 Joining expat groups vs integrating long term
 01:03 Welcome + show intro (Casey’s move to Portugal)
 01:34 Meet Eleanor Mayrhofer (US-born marketer in Germany since 1999)
 01:59 How Eleanor ended up in Germany (a “big accident”)
 03:14 The beer garden moment: “Let’s start a business”
 04:24 Reality check: no network, no German, no plan
 05:26 First job lead through networking (and visa stress)
 06:08 Getting paid under the table while waiting on permits
 06:43 Munich’s early web boom and the hiring wave
 07:08 Landing at Sapient and finally getting the paperwork sorted
 08:11 How timing and luck played a role (tourist visa extensions)
 08:45 From corporate stability to going independent
 09:15 Why “network is everything” when you start freelancing
 10:29 Government support for founders: Gründerzuschuss explained
 11:35 Germany’s healthcare: public vs private (what expats should know)
 14:36 Being covered in the US: the $100k hospital story
 16:11 Sponsor break: We’re Moving to Europe membership community
 17:05 Does Germany really support entrepreneurs? Yes and no
 17:19 KSK (artists’ social insurance) + freelancer reality math
 18:26 Taxes, cash flow, and admin: the bureaucracy challenge
 20:12 Choosing English vs German as your business language
 20:32 Scaling, niches, and early business mistakes (printables)
 21:46 Avoiding extra complexity: why a US LLC backfired
 22:18 German business structures (GmbH/UG) + today’s tools/resources
 23:30 Biggest upsides of self-employment: autonomy and flexibility
 24:31 Advice for newcomers: side hustles, compliance, and pipeline
 26:41 Networking culture in Germany (English-friendly ecosystems)
 27:51 Startup scenes, meetups, and where connections happen
 29:38 Expat community in Munich: evolving beyond the “bubble”
 31:38 There’s never been a better time: creators, groups, accelerators
 33:27 Eleanor’s podcast + where to find her (Germany List)
 34:31 Wrap-up + credits (Producer/Editor: Magdalena Laas)

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe 

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Portugal Taxes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=@WMTEurope

Moving to Portugal as a US citizen? Your biggest surprise might not be the visa, it’s the taxes.
From double taxation myths to retirement income traps, this episode explains what Americans really need to know. 

In this episode, Casey Kelly speaks with Pedro Gaudêncio, a chartered accountant and CEO of Portugal Taxes, to break down how the Portuguese tax system works for US expats living in Portugal. 

They unpack common misconceptions that often circulate online, explain how the Portugal–US double taxation agreement actually works in practice, and why many Americans misunderstand their tax obligations after moving abroad. Pedro also explains how different types of income are treated, including US retirement income, and what digital nomads and remote workers need to be aware of when becoming tax resident in Portugal. 

The conversation also explores tax benefits and incentives for younger expats, why early planning matters, and why working with qualified tax professionals is essential for staying compliant with both US and Portuguese tax authorities. 

Whether you are planning a move to Portugal, already living there, or researching US expat tax planning, this episode offers clear, practical insight to help you avoid costly mistakes.

00:00 – The tax mistake that shocks most Americans in Portugal
 01:13 – The tax expert Americans wish they’d talked to sooner
 04:26 – Why the US makes expat taxes so much harder
 05:52 – The biggest tax myths Americans believe about Portugal
 06:45 – Selling a US home? Here’s the Portugal tax trap
 09:04 – Will you really be taxed twice?
 13:56 – Two tax strategies every US expat should understand
 15:58 – Why Google gives terrible tax advice for expats
 19:38 – How Portugal taxes Social Security and 401(k)s
 23:16 – Digital nomads: where your income is really taxed
 26:24 – “They won’t know I’m abroad” is a risky bet
 28:39 – Hidden tax perks for younger expats (NHR 2.0)

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe 

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Cornerstone Health

RJ Pesigan on LinkedIn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=@WMTEurope

American physician Dr. RJ Pesigan joins We’re Moving to Europe to explain how the Dutch healthcare system really works. From finding a GP and getting insurance to understanding cultural differences, medications, and trans-inclusive care, this episode helps expats navigate healthcare in the Netherlands with confidence.

00:00 Dutch directness and healthcare culture
01:00 Welcome to We’re Moving to Europe
01:30 Meet Dr. RJ Pesigan, founder of Cornerstone Health
01:55 Moving to the Netherlands during COVID
03:00 From medicine to MBA to entrepreneurship
04:00 Understanding Dutch vs US healthcare systems
06:20 Cultural differences in doctor-patient communication
07:20 How to prepare for a GP visit in the Netherlands
08:47 Appeals and patient rights
09:50 Self-care and ownership in Dutch healthcare
11:20 Preventive healthcare and checkups
12:30 How to register with a Dutch GP and pharmacy
14:40 Health insurance requirements for expats
15:10 Membership community: We’re Moving to Europe
16:03 Medication availability (e.g., Adderall) and records
18:02 Access to transgender healthcare in the Netherlands
20:47 Managing chronic conditions as an expat
22:00 Bringing and digitizing your medical records
22:40 Budgeting for medications and transition period
23:30 Finding expat-friendly healthcare professionals
24:10 Vision, dental, and alternative care coverage
25:06 Closing and credits

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe 

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Useful Resources:

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

https://serenity-portugal.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-averbukh-md-mha-7b935a44/

Episode Description

Thinking about moving to Portugal and wondering how healthcare works? In this episode of We’re Moving to Europe, host Casey Kelly talks with Dr. Michael Averbukh, CEO and Managing Partner at Serenity, a healthcare concierge service for expats and immigrants in Portugal. They discuss how Portugal’s public and private systems compare to the US, what Americans should prepare for, managing medications, navigating bureaucracy, and access to care for trans people.

Whether you’re planning a relocation or already settling in, this conversation will help you understand how to prepare for your medical needs and make the most of Portugal’s healthcare system.

0:00 Introduction & guest intro

1:30 Dr. Averbukh’s journey to Portugal

2:55 Founding Serenity and its mission

4:24 Comparing US and Portuguese healthcare

6:19 Public vs private systems explained

9:20 Insurance and access differences

12:07 Medication availability & preparation

14:10 Navigating Portugal’s healthcare bureaucracy

19:15 Healthcare access for trans people

22:03 Tips for preparing medical care before moving

27:10 How to manage care after arrival

35:24 Final advice: Be prepared

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe 

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

B-Roll
Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pixabay and Pexels

Useful Resources:

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

BNC Tax & Accounting

Christie DuChateau - LinkedIn

Episode Description
Thinking about moving to Europe? Dutch tax expert Christie DuChateau joins host Casey Kelly to explain what Americans really need to know about international taxes, salaries, and retirement planning abroad. Learn how double taxation actually works, what benefits your Dutch taxes cover, and how to prepare your finances before relocating.

[00:00] Casey opens the episode and introduces today’s topic on expat taxes
[01:00] Christie shares her background and how BNC Tax & Accounting began
[03:30] Breaking down misconceptions about double taxation for Americans overseas
[05:30] Comparing European and U.S. income levels and effective tax rates
[07:45] Understanding what European taxes cover, from healthcare to family leave
[10:00] How pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security are treated across borders
[13:00] How expats can e-file, use software, or work with a tax professional
[15:30] The “three pillars” of retirement and smart cross-border investment options
[21:45] Why U.S. business entities are treated differently in Europe
[26:30] How far in advance to prepare for visas, housing, and finances
[28:45] Cost-of-living differences, culture shifts, and spending habits
[31:30] Christie’s final advice, plus where to find more information

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton

B-Roll

Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pixabay and FreePik

PROMOTION

Because you're a We're Moving to Europe listener, you can get 15% off Marisa's pet travel planner or concierge services at Paws Abroad. Enter the code WMTE when you check out at https://www.pawsabroad.co/. (I'll receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase with this code.)

Episode Description

Bringing your pets along when you move abroad can feel overwhelming. Between airline rules, health certificates, and crate training, it’s easy to feel stressed about international pet relocation. On this episode of the We’re Moving to Europe podcast, Paws Abroad founder Marisa Hoskins shares her recommendations for planning your move with pets, how to make the journey easier for both you and them, and why you may have more – and better – options than you think.

Quote

“Don’t wait till the bitter end. Sign up three to six months in advance, so we can help you plan. That’s how you avoid quarantine, paperwork issues, and stress for both you and your pet.”

Useful Resources
We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Paws Abroad

• (00:00) - Meet Annie, the Portuguese Podengo

[00:48] Welcome to We’re Moving to Europe

[01:21] Guest intro: Marisa Hoskins, founder of Paws Abroad

[01:56] Marisa’s first experience with international pet travel

[03:14] Launching her first pet company

[04:32] Why she built Paws Abroad

[05:18] The Pet Travel Planner explained
[06:05] Growing community & concierge services

[07:20] Myths about pet quarantine and cargo travel

[09:01] Paperwork, health certificates, and safe cargo travel
[10:32] Why planning 3–6 months ahead matters

[11:29] Common mistakes: carriers, bookings, breed restrictions

[13:08] Personalized support & peace of mind

[14:46] Other travel options: charters, cruises, new airline rules

[16:18] About the We’re Moving to Europe community

[17:37] Food & medication planning for pets

[20:28] Traveling with multiple pets & airline restrictions

[22:15] Best timing: why 6 months is ideal

[25:26] Advice for people worried it’s “too stressful”

[26:36] Free guide & final tips

[27:41] Community discount & contact info

[28:28] Wrap up & credits

Production Team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe 

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

B-Roll

Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pexels

Useful Resources

• The We're Moving to Europe Membership Community: Practical Support and Guidance for Planning your Move from the US to Europe
• We’re Moving to Europe Free Substack
• Karen Shopoff Rooff (LinkedIn)
• Personal Fit College Consulting

Production Team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We’re Moving to Europe  

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

[0:03] Feeling overwhelmed about moving to Europe?
[0:10] Introducing the We're Moving to Europe community
[0:23] Learn at your own pace with expert support
[0:29] Monthly classes, tools, and resources
[0:37] Reliable, up-to-date information
[0:43] Practical guidance and early podcast access
[0:58] Helping you make your own decisions
[1:08] Find us at skool.com
[1:48] Welcome and intro to the episode
[2:19] Meet Karen Shopoff Rooff
[2:52] How Karen got into college coaching
[3:29] Addressing educational inequity
[4:18] Pandemic-era inspiration and early work
[5:07] Finding the right fit for students
[5:33] Dispelling college consultant myths
[6:05] Karen's international education story
[7:01] Life-changing London experiences
[8:18] Study abroad as a valuable experience
[9:05] Specialized training for international options
[10:14] Rise in interest for college abroad
[11:10] Factors driving interest in EU colleges
[12:19] Safety and intellectual freedom
[12:53] Why European college might be a better fit
[13:22] When it's *not* a good fit
[13:59] Maturity and independence required
[15:00] Financial considerations of EU degrees
[15:53] Housing challenges in the Netherlands
[16:42] Knowing your kid’s resilience
[17:39] Academic differences in EU colleges
[18:08] Transparent EU admissions process
[19:00] Application pre-reads and reduced guesswork
[20:05] Grading systems and assessment style
[21:16] High stakes grading vs busywork
[21:45] Program rigidity and flexibility differences
[22:21] Mini-courses and short modules
[23:13] Importance of time management skills
[24:05] FAFSA and financial aid in Europe
[25:14] Merit scholarships for international students
[26:03] Risks of switching programs
[26:51] A costly time zone mistake
[27:34] Tracking deadlines for scholarships
[28:28] Disability accommodations in EU colleges
[29:24] When to start planning for college abroad
[30:32] APs, IBs, and test prep importance
[31:41] Visiting EU schools and virtual tours
[32:45] Better virtual tours than in the US
[33:43] International student resources
[34:46] The emotional impact on families
[35:20] Family transitions and multiple moves
[36:14] When transition is harder than expected
[37:07] Supporting your child emotionally
[38:01] Normalize the fear of a big move
[38:26] Where to find Karen Shopoff Rooff
[39:16] Show credits and closing

Sound Library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.